Using edible films to cover meat and poultry significantly lowers the risk of bacteria growing on the food, according to a recent study.

Researchers, led by Catherine Cutter, covered meat products with bacteria, before wrapping them in pullulan — an edible and transparent film made from fungus. The film had been treated with essential oils and nanoparticles, and the food products were then vacuum sealed and refrigerated for up to three weeks.

Researchers are hopeful the findings may lead to the widespread application of antimicrobial films to meat and poultry, to both rid the food of harmful bacteria, and protect it from future spoiling.